Cowgirl Golfers Finish Fourth at GCU Invite

The University of Wyoming Cowgirl golf team wrapped up a successful opening tournament by finishing fourth at the Grand Canyon Invitational. UW ended with 923 (+71) and shot its best round of the invite with a 306 (+22) during Wednesday’s final round. It was the second-consecutive year UW has finished in the top-five of the GCU Invite. The Cowgirls recorded a 917 (+53) for a fifth place finish a year ago.

Sophomore Gabrielle Gibson led UW with a second-place finish. She shot a 77 (+6) during the final round to finish with the 54-hole event at 225 (+12). It was the best finish of her career and second career top-five finish, as she tied fifth at Denver Ron Moore Intercollegiate this past fall. It also became the top-individual finish for a Cowgirl since Juanita Rico finished second at the Guistana Memorial Classic in 2011, hosted by Oregon State.

“It was a great start to the spring season for us,” Cowgirl head coach Josey Stender said. “We were in contention, improved every round and had an all-around team effort. It really came down to the last few holes and a few more putts to drop. I’m very proud of Gabrielle (Gibson) and her determination in such an intense competition all day long.”

Freshmen twins Megan and Kaylee Knadler and sophomore Kathleen Kershisnik all tied for tenth in the 83-individual field. They each had a total score of 231 (+18). Kaylee Knalder was one shot off her career-low and had the best round for UW on Wednesday with a 74 (+3). She also led the Cowgirls with three birdies on the afternoon. Kershisnik was also one shot off her career-low and finished the day with a 75 (+4), while Megan Knadler shot a third-round score of 77 (+6). It was also the best finish for both Kershisnik and Kaylee Knadler in their careers.

Senior Emily Woodard completed the tournament with a 79 (+8), to tie for 35th with a total of 238 (+25). Mackenzie Barrie had a 54-hole total of 242 (+29) after shooting an 80 (+9) on Wednesday. While junior Taylor Dorans ended play with her best round of the tournament. Dorans fired a 77 (+6) to tie for 58th.

Sophomore Klara Castillo finished in 63rd with a three-round total of 247 (+34), as Amanda Hinchey was just one shot behind with a 248 (+35). Castillo marked an 85 (+14) on the final day, while Hinchey recorded an 83 (+12).

North Dakota State took home the team title after shooting the best-third round score of 301 (+17) to total a 918 (+66), while Emma Mesta of UT Rio Grande Valley claimed the individual crown with a three-round mark of 221 (+8).

The Cowgirls will next compete in St. George, Utah, at the BYU Entrada Classic, March 18-19.